Tesla Model X Plaid vs BMW X1 sDrive20i F48: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model X Plaid hits 100 km/h in 2.63 s versus 7.52 s for the X1 sDrive20i. The instant torque of 1,424 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model X Plaid leads by 4.89 s and sits roughly 21 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model X Plaid is doing 184 km/h against 121 km/h for the X1 sDrive20i. The gap is 3.60 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model X Plaid crosses the line in 10.09 s versus 15.51 s. The 5.42 s gap represents roughly 204 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model X Plaid continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 256 km/h versus 167 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model X Plaid finishes in 18.56 s versus 28.07 s, with a 9.52 s lead.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model X Plaid is capped at 262 km/h, the X1 sDrive20i at 226 km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 11.72 seconds. The 4.89 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.